Texas Tech Spirit Program

Texas Tech Masked Rider Program

Laurie Tolbloom 2017-2018 Masked Rider

Laurie Tolboom, a graduate student from Dublin, Texas, completed her

bachelor's degree in agricultural communications in December 2016 and is now pursuing
her master's degree in mass communications. As a young girl, Laurie loved horses and
received her first horse at age 5.

Though her family didn't have much horse experience, Laurie's mom enrolled her in
lessons, horse camps and 4-H to help her learn as much as possible. Her knowledge
of horses continued to grow throughout high school, with Laurie competing in English
and Western show events.

As part of 4-H, Laurie learned about horse and tack care, riding and horse judging.
As she grew older, Laurie held several leadership positions, including president,
and led lessons and discussions on horses with younger members.

After four years of showing in the Texas 4-H Horse Show, Laurie and Charli, her own
horse, made the trip together to Texas Tech University. Laurie joined the Texas Tech
Equestrian Team as a freshman and served as Western Team Captain her sophomore year.

Laurie's dedication to horses has led to numerous awards and honors, including multiple
top-five and top 10-placings from 2011 to 2014 at the Texas 4-H Horse Show; 2012 Youth
World Champion and 2015 Reserve World Champion from the American Paint Horse Association;
and multiple wins and top-five packings as part of the Texas Tech Equestrian Team.

In 2014, Laurie served on the Masked Rider Field Safety Crew, and from 2015 to 2017,
as one of the Masked Rider assistants for the 54th & 55th riders, Rachel McLelland
and Charlie Snider.

As the 56th Masked Rider, she hopes to uphold the long-standing traditions of the
program, represent the university to the best of her ability and share her love of
Texas Tech. Laurie also hopes to increase the Masked Rider's presence on campus and
among students.

After serving as the 2017-2018 Masked Rider, Laurie plans to use the communication,
photography and design skills she's cultivated while completing her communications
degrees to share her love of horses and agriculture with others. She plans to work
in the equine or agriculture industry as a graphic designer, photographer or videographer.

"I love promoting Texas Tech and the Lubbock area, and being the symbol of Texas Tech
will be pretty cool," Laurie said. "It's an indescribable feeling, joining the ranks
of all these amazing people that love Texas Tech as much as I do. To have my name
on that list - that's pretty exciting."

Written by Amanda Castro-CristTexas Tech Office of Communications & Marketing